Members of an intercultural organization that works with immigrants from Somalia and elsewhere expressed shock today about the planned attack on Pioneer Courthouse Square by a young man who was born in Somalia and was a naturalized U.S. citizen.

“I absolutely condemn this act,” said Taj Suleyman, an organizer in Beaverton for the Center for Intercultural Organizing, based in North Portland. “It’s absolutely shocking. I’m saddened and disappointed.”

Another member of the group, Abdisalan Muse, condemned the planned attack as well, saying many Somalis in the metro area share similar sentiments.

Mohamed Osman Mohamud, 19, was arrested on Friday, accused of planning to detonate a weapon of mass destruction at Pioneer Courthouse Square for the holiday tree-lighting ceremony. The annual event drew thousands of people.

Suleyman does not know Mohamud but he knows other Somali immigrants and is worried about what affect the teen’s arrest will have on them.

“I’m worried about how the mainstream community is going to handle this,” Suleyman said.

The group is planning to hold a news conference at City Hall today to discuss Mohamud’s arrest and give reaction from the Somali community.